N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.12
Definitions relative to child-protection window guards
Operative Text
1. As used in this act: "child-protection window guard" or "window guard" means a bar, screen or grille assembly designed to be installed in a window for the purpose of preventing accidental fall or ejection of a child through the window. It shall be so designed, constructed and installed that no person of the age of 10 years or younger may through accident, ignorance or inadvertence, remove, open or dislodge it so as to permit such fall or ejection. Such window guards shall conform to specifications developed by the commissioner regarding design, construction and installation so as to accomplish the purpose of this act. A municipality may adopt standards that afford tenants greater protections than are provided pursuant to the commissioner's specifications. The commissioner's specifications for double hung windows shall ensure that window guards protect the full openable area of each lower window. The specifications shall provide that all window guards shall be designed and installed as to ensure that any space between the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the window guard and the bottom of the upper sash is less than four inches. Installation of rigid metal stops in the upper tracks of a bottom window or other attempts to limit the ability to raise the bottom window shall not be an acceptable method of satisfying the specifications provided for in this section. Window stops may be utilized as a safety enhancement when used in addition to installed window guards. "common interest community" means a horizontal property regime, condominium, cooperative, or mutual housing corporation in which some of the property, known as common elements, is owned as tenants-in-common by all of the property owners. "unit owners' association" means the association organized for the purpose of management of the common elements and facilities of a common interest community. L.1995,c.120,s.1; amended 2006, c.55, s.1.
Section 55:13A-7.12 of New Jersey law establishes the foundational definitions for the state's child-protection window guard requirements. A qualifying window guard must be a bar, screen, or grille assembly that a child aged 10 or younger cannot accidentally, ignorantly, or inadvertently remove or open. The provision also sets technical standards for double-hung windows, requiring that any gap between the top horizontal bar and the upper sash be less than four inches, and clarifies that rigid metal stops alone do not satisfy these requirements. It further defines 'common interest community' and 'unit owners' association' for purposes of applying the law to condominiums, cooperatives, and similar housing arrangements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.12, compliant operators ensure that any window guard installed meets the commissioner's specifications for design, construction, and installation—not merely a workaround such as rigid metal stops in upper window tracks. For double-hung windows, operators verify that the gap between the lowest section of the top horizontal bar and the upper sash is under four inches across the full openable area. Operators in municipalities that have adopted stricter local standards must also meet those elevated requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.12 establishes that window guards must meet state specifications designed to prevent children aged 10 or younger from accidentally dislodging them. Tenants in common interest communities should be aware that both the unit owners' association and individual landlords may have obligations under this framework. Tenants who believe installed guards do not meet these standards may contact their local housing or code enforcement office, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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